FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

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Q: Do I need a Private Investigator to locate a missing person?

A: Not always, here are some means to locate a missing person:
*Start at your local courthouse, they have a wealth of information on people. They have conviction records, divorce records, birth records, civil records, property records and tax records to name a few.
*Search the web using various free phone listing searches, this may give you leads into new or even old addresses as well as phone numbers. 
*Search your states death records, this can be done by contacting your states vital records department or online using various search methods.
*Contact friends or relatives, they almost always know where the person may be or is.
*Contact last employment of the person, a forwarding address may of been left with them.

If you don't succeed at first, don't get discouraged, you may have to contact a professional to obtain the information you need. It never hurts to ask.

 

Q: Why hire an investigator to conduct surveillance? Why not just do it myself or ask a friend to do it for me?

A: Surveillance, performed properly, is a science. It is a method in which the truth can be uncovered or exposed. Surveillance, if conducted properly by a licensed investigator, is a record of what actually occurred during the surveillance period and can be used during subsequent litigation. A licensed private investigator is an impartial party to the dispute. A licensed investigator can legally conduct surveillance without fear of being arrested for stalking.

 

Q: How much is an initial consultation?

A: ALL initial consultations are FREE.

 

Q: How much will it cost?

A: The cost depends on the services provided. Call us to set up a no cost interview or to discuss the particulars of your case on the phone. All expenses will be documented with receipts.

 

Q: When do I pay?

A: It is customary to pay a retainer before a case is initiated. The retainer depends on the case. If the retainer is exhausted, an additional retainer is required. Any unused retainer will be returned at the completion of the case.  

 

Q: How do I pay?

A: You can pay with cash, certified check, money order or credit card. A money order leaves no record that can be traced back to you. Also when using a credit card our company name or type of business is not shown on your statement.

 

Q: How long does it take for you to perform the service?

A: The actual response time will depend on our current case load but, rest assured, we will handle your case! You will be told the exact start date for your case. This is normally within 1-3 days. You will also be given an estimated completion date. Most cases only last a few weeks at most.

 

Q: If you do not think you can handle a case will you still take it just to go through the motions and collect a fee?

A: NEVER! If we do not feel we can handle your case, you will be referred to another agency we feel can handle it. If it is a "lost cause" investigation, we will tell you that up front. If you want us to attempt it anyway, we will do our utmost to provide a satisfactory conclusion.

 

Q: Can I expect services in a CONFIDENTIAL manner?

A: Of course. There are at times, some things that will require written authorization in order for us to proceed. Credit histories are one example of this type. We treat all clients with respect. The personal information you provide on yourself or your subject are completely secure with us.

 

Q: Do I speak DIRECTLY to the field investigator?

A: We know YOU need to know exactly what is happening with your assignment. Who better to ask than the person who did/is doing the investigation? You don't have to settle for talking with someone who passes on second hand information The investigator who works your case will personally speak with you before, during and after the assignment. We will provide our findings to you, your supervisor, your attorney, or anyone else you authorize us to speak with.

 

Q: How will I be able to contact my investigator during the time he is working on my case?

A: All of our investigators are professionals who can and will communicate with you or your designated representative. We will always provide you with contact information and immediate feedback allowing you to make sound and economical decisions.

 

Q: Will I receive documentation (written surveillance reports, video, interview forms, etc.) in a timely manner?

A: We will provide you with a clear, concise, and well written interim reports of our findings. Our Daily Activity Logs show exactly what was being accomplished on your case with start and end times of surveillance, telephone calls and miscellaneous activities. A final report will be provided 2-3 days after completion of the investigation. We will provide it to you by any means you desire - fax, e-mail or US Postal Service. The case is as important to us as we know it is to you.

 

Q: Will I receive a written bill?

A: The billing form we provide you lists the length of time spent on each activity, mileage and expenses.

 

Q: Do you guarantee success in obtaining my desired results or in finding individuals?

A: In a word, NO! Our investigators do their best to achieve the desired results in an accurate and timely manner. These results may not always be what you either hoped for or expected. The subject may not be doing anything wrong, but all activities will be monitored and we will do our best within the framework of the law to achieve the desired results.
When it comes to Missing Persons we cannot conduct research for free, therefore, we can not provide refunds for failure to find the requested information. In many cases if we fail to find the person, we will return any part of the retainer we did not spend directly on the search.

 

Questions for Attorneys

Q: Are you constantly bombarded with visits or phone calls from sales, marketing, and other "representatives" of investigative agencies? Isn't it annoying?

A: Access Investigation Inc. respects you and your time. If we call it is to make an appointment to visit you at your convenience. During the appointment, you will meet with an investigator who will be able to speak intelligently about your cases and future assignments. You will NEVER be visited by a commissioned sales representative! We don't have a need for them - therefore, we don't employ them.

 

Q. Are you currently paying BIG BUCKS to the one of the BIG Firms, and not receiving much in return?

A: We will offer you a money savings plan on each case you assign us. We promise to provide you with a professional product at a cost laid out before hand and which you authorize before we begin.

 

General Questions About Being a Private Investigator

Q: Is being a Private Investigator dangerous?

A: Yes, it can be dangerous, but we like to say "being a PI is 95% boredom and 5% sheer terror." Normally, the job is not as dangerous as that of a police officer, since the majority of the time an investigator knows what and who he is dealing with. There are times however, when the unexpected does happen, and at that point the investigator must rely upon his or her training, as well as instincts.

 

 

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